Sociology of Religion Syllabus
MidAmerica Nazarene University
Sociology 3903/
(Practical Theology 3903)
SOCIOLOGY OF RELIGION
Spring 2012
Instructor: Prof. Bo Cassell
Division of Behavioral Sciences
Office Location: Metz 204
email: brcassell@mnu.edu
Mon./Wed./Fri. 11:00-11:50 a.m.
Smith 207
Office Phone: 913-971-3613
Office Hours: MWF, 10:30-11:00am, 1:30-3:00pm. Tues. 10:30-11:30am.
Also by appointment (call or email).
TEXTBOOKS:
REQUIRED
Roberts, Keith, and Yaname, D. 2011. Religion in sociological perspective, 5th ed.
Newbury Park, Ca.: SAGE/Pine Forge Press.
In addition, ONE of the following two textbooks are required. The student will
choose one for a book analysis paper:
Cassell, Bo. 2007. Water, fire, wind: The elements of following Christ. Kansas City:
Barefoot Ministries.
Claiborne, Shane. 2006. Irresistible revolution: Living as an ordinary radical. Grand
Rapids: Zondervan.
Other required articles will be posted to Moodle.
RECOMMENDED
Niebuhr, H. Richard. 1956. Christ and culture. New York: Harper Perennial.
COURSE GOAL:
As an introduction and overview of the Sociology of Religion the overall course
goals involve students learning:
- to value the importance of understanding the interplay of society &
religion.
- to value the complexity of religious meanings and experience and to be
tolerant of differences in social and religious perspectives while
maintaining a firm grasp of personal values and beliefs.
- to value the productive interaction one can have by dialoguing with, and
understanding the religious motives of other societies/cultures and
integrating this into an overall Christian worldview.
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Sociology of Religion Syllabus
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of this course one should be able to:
1) Understand the impact of religion on society at large and how society
can impact religious expressions.
2) Address the issues of changes in societal values and how this effects
religion in America and other societies.
3) Articulate the societal and personal meanings that are attached to
religious experience.
4) Discuss the social influence on religious structure and practice and how
religious groups form.
5) Recognize the impact of religion on social change especially as it relates
to intergroup relations, conflict, and cohesion.
6) Understand how issues like gender, and race/ethnicity affect the
interface of society and religion.
7) Discuss and articulate the relationship and tension between Christianity
and the surrounding culture.
EXPECTED OUTCOMES:
Students should be able to apply their experience in this class to:
- critically evaluate their own religious heritage, belief and behavior in light
of the historical and current interactional influence between religion and
society.
- actively use their knowledge to deepen their religious/spiritual experience
and become more interested in developing their value positions on issues
important to society and religion.
- interact with other groups or individuals in manner that deepens
understanding of truth as it relates to religion and society - using
compassion and tolerance.
- pursue a career in the behavioral sciences or theological studies if so
desired.
- integrate this knowledge with other academic and personal aspects of
their life in order to form a balanced Christian worldview.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
1) Sociology and Religion Research Project/Paper. This project/paper is for the
purpose of applying and integrating the concepts and ideas learned in class to
different examples of religious experience and the interaction between religious
belief/practice, society and social relationships. Additionally, it is an opportunity
for students to apply sociological research practices and investigate questions
related to the sociological imagination. It may be helpful for students to discuss
their topic with the professor before beginning. The write up of this project/paper
will be 2100-2700 words. They will be graded according to the following criteria.
- clarity and thoroughness of discussion.
- inclusion/integration/investigation of class ideas
- use of sociological research methods/approach
- grammar and use of ASA (or APA) style
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Sociology of Religion Syllabus
2) Alternative Religious Encounter Experience. One visit to an alternative
religion is to be completed by each student. In this experience the student will be
responsible for engaging in a religious service/experience that is not in their own
tradition.
- This experience should be an alternative Non-Christian religious
experience. For example you could attend an Islamic, Jewish, or Buddhist
service. You may need to travel out of Olathe to complete this assignment
and I would suggest you call the desired mosque/synagogue/temple prior to
going so you can ask questions that would aid your experience, i.e.
appropriate dress, meeting times, etc.
(As a possible option, the student may choose an alternative Christian
denomination, one that is very dissimilar to your own. For example if you
attend a Nazarene Church, do not choose a Wesleyan service as your
alternative. Try a Catholic, Episcopal or Pentecostal service.)
You may complete the experiential part of this assignment individually or in small
(2-3) groups but you will each be responsible for turning in a unique individually
written paper.
We may discuss your experiences during the class period your paper is due, so
come prepared to that class (see schedule) ready to talk about your experience.
Your report of the experience should follow the format provided (posted to
Blackboard). The write up of these experience will be 900-1500 words. Grading
will be based on the thoroughness and clarity of your discussion, adherence to the
described format, and proper use of grammar and APA style.
This Encounter write up report should include the following elements:
* Brief Summary of the experience (observations in various areas using an
Observation Instrument provided by your professor, with categories and areas to
investigate will be provided).
* Reflection on the experience. Describe how this visit was different from
your normal religious experience, and what you thought and felt about it.
* Utilization of Sociology. Show that you are able to describe what you
have encountered in the terms and principles of sociology that we have discussed
in class and in readings.
3) Christ and Culture Book Analysis. Students will select one of the
supplementary required texts and explore the concepts of Christ and Culture, by
analyzing a their book in light of the approaches and concepts of Niebuhr’s work.
Students may optionally read Niebuhr’s Christ and Culture, or may utilize internet
resources (links will be posted to Blackboard) to thoroughly understand the
concepts and approaches of Christ and Culture. This project is to be an integrative
experience in which the student will analyze/discuss/critique the book they select
in light of the concepts and ideas learned from their study of Christ and Culture.
The paper should be 900-1200+ words. Grading will be based on similar criteria to
other assignments and include:
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Sociology of Religion Syllabus
- clarity and thoroughness of discussion.
- a clear summary and reaction to the selected book
- analysis/critique of the book in light of Christ and Culture
concepts (questions to answer will be posted to Blackboard).
- grammar and use of ASA (or APA) style
For this paper, you should:
1. Analyze the book according to the 5 Christ and Culture positions.
2. Select which position you think best describes the position of the author in this
book.
3. Clearly show and explain why you think the author is coming from that
position, and why their perspective does not fit the others.
4. Clearly demonstrate that you have read the book by providing a short summary,
and examples to support your analysis.
4) Exams. Three exams will be given in addition to the final. These may include,
but are not limited to short answer, matching, multiple choice, and essay questions.
The focus of the exams will be to test the student’s knowledge and comprehension
of textbook reading and in class lecture and discussion. See the Course Schedule
for exam dates.
5) Final Exam. A comprehensive final exam will be given at the end of the
semester.
6) Participation is an essential part of the learning experience in this class. You
are expected to participate and contribute to the topics raised in class. Discussion
of material and issues will be a major element in gaining understanding about the
concepts of sociology and religion. Please remember that all comments and
questions should be treated with respect. It will be helpful for you to read the
assigned material and makes comments accordingly. Points will be given for
participation, which may include student presentations on various topics. These
points will be assigned to in-class assignments, a subjective evaluation of student
interaction and participation in class, and will also be the first place attendance
(missed class) deductions will be taken (see under Policies, attendance).
Critical and constructive thinking are the key elements that will be looked at in
all papers and exams.
COURSE EVALUATION:
Sociology & Religion Research Project/Paper
Christ and Culture Book Analysis
Examinations (3 @ 100)
Alternative Religious Encounter
Final Exam
Participation
200
150
300
100
150
100
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Sociology of Religion Syllabus
Total Points
1000
Grading Scale:
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
DF
93-100%
90-92%
87-89%
83-86%
80-82%
77-79%
73-76%
70-72%
66-69%
63-65%
60-62%
Below 60%
POLICIES
Electronic Communication Between Faculty and Students
All electronic communication between faculty and students must be made using their mnu.edu
account. Homework assignments and research papers must also be submitted through the MNU server.
Turning In Work
All work will be turned in electronically to Moodle (http://courses.mnu.edu) unless otherwise
noted. All work is due on the day it is due, before midnight, unless stated otherwise. Due date=
Date given, time due= before 12:00 midnight that day. All papers should follow the ASA
(American Sociological Association) Style Guide or the APA (American Psychological
Association) Style unless otherwise noted. For more information, students can visit:
For APA Style:
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/
For ASA Style:
www.asanet.org/page.ww?name=Quick+Style+Guide&section=Sociology+Depts
www.calstatela.edu/library/bi/rsalina/asa.styleguide.html
www.buffalostate.edu/library/docs/asa.pdf
ALL ASSIGNMENTS IN ALL OF PROFESSOR CASSELL’S CLASSES ARE TURNED IN TO
MOODLE, AND CHECKED THROUGH ”TURN IT IN” (www.turnitin.com) or an equivalent
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY WEB SITE, unless stated otherwise. PAPER ASSIGNMENTS WILL NOT BE
ACCEPTED ANY OTHER WAY.
NOTE: Since all assignments (unless noted) are turned in electronically, and at times electronic servers
cease to function or electronic transfers break down and occasionally do not go through properly, it is
important for the student to KEEP A COPY OF ALL WORK TURNED IN. Also, keep a copy of any
posting receipt that you receive from Moodle. IT IS THE STUDENT’S REPSONSIBILITY TO PROVE
THAT THEY HAVE COMPLETED THE WORK, AND THAT THE WORK WAS TURNED IN, and
turned in on time.
Late Work
Work turned in late will be penalized by 5% off the total per day. A day is a 24 hour period
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Sociology of Religion Syllabus
from the time it is due. Work turned in one minute after it is due loses 5%. For example, say you
have an assignment due Monday at 12:00 midnight, and it is an “A” quality paper, (that would
normally receive 93%). If you turn it in at 11:59 p.m., you receive an “A.” If you turn this paper
in at 12:01 a.m., you will receive an “B+” (5% off the total, or in this case, 88%). Another 24
hours later, it drops another 5%. See the table below for a sample explanation:
Paper Due on Monday at 12:00 midnight is Percentage of Points Deducted
turned in…
Up to Monday, 11:59 pm
0% deducted
Tuesday, 12:01 am to 11:59 pm
5% deducted (one 24 hour period—one day
late)
Wednesday, 12:01 am to 11:59 pm
10% deducted (two days late)
Thursday, 12:01 am to 11:59 pm
15% deducted (three days late)
Friday, 12:01 am to 11:59 pm
20% deducted (four days late)
Saturday, 12:01 am to 11:59 pm
25% deducted (five days late)
Sunday, 12:01 am to 11:59 pm
30% deducted (six days late)
Monday, 12:01 am to 11:59 pm
35% deducted (seven days late)
After Monday 12:00 midnight, one week late
40% deducted (After 7 full days—automatic F)
(Note also that this policy allows for hard working students to take “an extra day” and still get an
“A”. If you are working on your assignment and could use more time, but could make it
outstanding, you could turn it in later on the day it is due, and if it warrants 100%, you would
receive 95%, an A.)
Generally, it is always better to turn in the work and not give up—check with the professor before
deciding not to turn in an assignment—BUT BE PREPARED TO RECEIVE LESS CREDIT
FOR LATE WORK.
Make Up Work/Make Up Exams
Make up work is allowed only under a dire, life and death excuse. Any non-emergency late work
will be treated according to the late work policy, above—exams are never accepted late without
prior permission from the professor, or in emergency cases as accounted for in this paragraph.
Student MUST provide written verification of the emergency reason for missing an
assignment/exam. Written verification must be provided on an official form or business letterhead
with an address or phone number for follow up verification. For example, if the student is in a car
accident on the way to the exam, the professor will need to see the police report. If the car breaks
down on the way to the exam, the professor will need to see the repair receipt. If sick, the
professor will need to see a note from the resident educator on university letterhead. In other
words, you will need a verifiable emergency reason to make up an exam or assignment.
Unique Circumstances
Students traveling to represent the school at school sanctioned events (away sporting events,
debate teams, out of town class trips or presentations, etc.) should plan ahead and turn
assignments in early. Students on school sanctioned trips longer than 3 days will be given one
extra day without penalty—when their travel falls on an assignment due date. Allowance will be
given for attendance during these trips, but students may be required to do special “away trip
assignments” to make up for the attendance points lost. The instructor must be notified in writing
ahead of time for these allowances to take effect.
Students facing a family emergency—on the level that an employer would excuse you from work
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Sociology of Religion Syllabus
(i.e. death, life threatening illness, etc.) will be given three extra days without penalty when these
happen during a due date only. The student must communicate to the instructor, and “emergency”
must be verified and approved by the instructor for this to take effect. (See above policy on make
up work/make up exams).
NO ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER THE DAY OF THE CLASS FINAL. NO
EXCEPTIONS.
Attendance/Late Arrival/Class Disruption
The basic policy of MNU is that there are no excused absences. Consistent attendance is
essential for success in the course. In this class, Students will lose 1% of their final grade for
each absence. However, you have three “free” absences. In other words, if you miss three class
periods, nothing is deducted. Upon the fourth absence, 40 points (4%) will be taken off your final
grade (approximately one grade step—i.e. A- to B+). For every additional absence, 10 additional
points (1%) will be deducted. Students more than 7 minutes late for a given class period without
a reasonable excuse will be counted as absent for that class period (the instructor’s watch will be
used as the time reference). YOUR THREE FREE ABSENCES ARE FOR ANY AND ALL
REASONS. Use them wisely. If you use them up, and then get sick, or have an emergency later,
all absences will be counted.
Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. Students that are a distraction to other students or to the
instructor may be asked to stop their behavior, and/or leave the classroom—AND MAY LOSE
GRADE POINTS FROM THEIR FINAL GRADE (from attendance/participation). Disruptive
behavior includes, but is not limited to: inappropriate talking in class, text messaging/cell phone
use, distracting laptop use or laptop use “wasting time” on uses not related to class. For classes
with Participation point, these behaviors can result in a loss of participation points even if they
are not disruptive to others.
Special Accommodations
Students needing special accommodations should notify the professor and visit the Kresge
Center (in the library) during the first two weeks of the course. (Note that the Kresge Center
is not just for students with particular needs. There is tutoring available for any student.)
Academic Integrity
All work is expected to be the student’s own. No credit will be given for assignments or exams
that have been plagiarized. Cheating and other dishonest behavior will result in an F for the
assignment and will be reported to the Vice President for Academic Affairs.
Students who don’t know what plagiarism is, or who don’t understand the serious nature of it
should visit:
http://www.plagiarism.org
http://www.indiana.edu/~wts/pamphlets/plagiarism.shtml
http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/handouts/plagiarism.html
Students may also find this helpful for creating proper citations:
www.chicagomanualofstyle.org
www.easybib.com
www.noodletools.com
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Sociology of Religion Syllabus
COURSE SCHEDULE
(SUBJECT TO CHANGE AS CLASS NEEDS DICTATE)
DATE
Jan. 18
TOPIC
CHAPTER
Section 1: Definition, Scientific Study, Perspectives
Read article by McCutcheon,
Intro to Sociology of Religion
“What is the Academic Study
of Religion?”
Jan. 20, 23
Jan. 25, 27
Jan. 30, Feb. 1,
3
Feb. 6, 8, 10, 13
Feb. 15
Foundations/ Definitions
Scientific Perspective
Religion and Society: Macro Perspectives
1
2
3
Religious Experience, Symbols, Worldviews
Official/Non-Official Religion; (Folk Religion)
Alternative Religious Encounter Due Feb. 16
Feb. 17
EXAM 1
Section 2: Conversion and Religious Formations
Conversion and Commitment
Emergence Movements, Charisma and Routinization
Groups Survival, Organizational Development, and
Church/Sect Models
EXAM 2
SPRING BREAK—NO CLASS
Section 3: Christ and Culture
Discussion of Christ and Culture
4
4, (15)
Supplementary
lectures
1-4, Lectures
Feb. 20, 22, 24
Feb. 27, 29
Mar. 2, 5, 7
Mar. 9
Mar, 12, 14, 16
Mar. 19, 21
Mar. (22) 23
Mar. 26, 28, 30,
Apr. 2
Apr. 4
Apr. 6, 9
Apr. 11
Apr. 13
Apr. 16
Apr. 18
Apr. 20, 23
Apr. 25, 27
Apr. 30
May 2
Section 4: Religion, Social Inequality, and
Prejudice
ANSR CONFERENCE—NO CLASS
Extra Credit Possibility
Religion and Stratification
Stratification and Ideology
Christ and Culture Analysis Due Apr. 4
EASTER BREAK—NO CLASS
Stratification and Ideology, continued; begin
Christianity and Racism
Christianity and Racism, continued
Christianity, Gender, and Sexism
EXAM 3
Section 5: Social Change and Religious Adaptation
Secularization
Marketing of Religion
Sociology Research Project/Paper Due Apr. 29
Religion and Globalization
FINAL EXAM - 10:00am
5
6
7, 8
5-8, Lectures
Internet resources;
Supplementary book
reading
See Prof. for Extra
Credit
9
10
11
12
9-12, Lectures
13
14
16
All
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Sociology of Religion Syllabus
Alignment of Mission, Objectives, and Outcomes
MidAmerica Nazarene University
Term: Spring 2012
Class: Sociology of Religion
Dept #: SOCI 3903
CRN: 50129
Professor: Bo Cassell
Means of Assessment: Christ & Culture Analysis Paper
University Mission Statement:
The University provides a wide variety of intellectual, social, and religious
activities that serve a developmental function in students. The ultimate
goal is to develop broadly educated individuals with specific skill and
career knowledge related to a potential field of work.
Related Division Mission:
The Division of Behavioral Sciences educates and develops students to be
competent in academic disciplines focused on understanding human
behavior, mental processes, social functioning and the institutional
structures of society.
Course Objectives:
Students are capable of discussing their discipline from a Christian faith
perspective; and students are able to clearly articulate relevant
points of engagement between their faith and learning.
Intended Educational (Student) Outcome or State Standards:
Students can articulate a clear Christian response to the coercive power of
society, the nature of social change and the problem of discrimination in its
various forms.
Means of Assessment:
Christ & Culture Analysis Paper
9
Sociology of Religion Syllabus
Alignment of Mission, Objectives, and Outcomes
MidAmerica Nazarene University
Term: Spring 2012
Class: Sociology of Religion
Dept #: SOCI 3903
CRN: 50129
Professor: Bo Cassell
Means of Assessment: Sociology of Religion Unit Exam 3
University Mission Statement:
The University provides a wide variety of intellectual, social, and religious
activities that serve a developmental function in students. The ultimate
goal is to develop broadly educated individuals with specific skill and
career knowledge related to a potential field of work.
Related Division Mission:
The Division of Behavioral Sciences educates and develops students to be
competent in academic disciplines focused on understanding human
behavior, mental processes, social functioning and the institutional
structures of society.
Course Objectives:
Students are capable of discussing their discipline from a Christian faith
perspective; and students are able to clearly articulate relevant points of
engagement between their faith and learning.
Intended Educational (Student) Outcome or State Standards:
Students can articulate a clear Christian response to the coercive power of
society, the nature of social change and the problem of discrimination in its
various forms.
Means of Assessment:
Sociology of Religion Unit Exam
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